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Chicago Wilderness Protecting Biodiversity in a Large Urban Area Through Partnerships Laurel Ross Urban Conservation Director, Field Museum Chicago Wilderness, Steering Committee Mike Prouty Northeastern Area, USDA FS State and Private Forestry Imagine… Overview of this talk
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Chicago Wilderness Protecting Biodiversity in a Large Urban Area Through Partnerships Laurel Ross Urban Conservation Director, Field Museum Chicago Wilderness, Steering Committee Mike Prouty Northeastern Area, USDA FS State and Private Forestry
Overview of this talk • Why Chicago Wilderness Formed • Who makes up the Consortium? • Forest Service Involvement • Six Roles of the Consortium • Measuring Results • Exporting the Model • Questions and Answers
The biodiversity of the Chicago region is important both globally and locally. Over 300,000 acres are now protected as conservation land. The region also holds nine millionpeople—a rich and diverse human resource.
Distribution of public conservation land • County Forest Preserve Districts • Municipalities & Park Districts • Federal land • State Depts. • of Natural Resources • NGOs
MAJOR THREATS • Habitat fragmentation • Land use history • Invasive species • Fire deprivation • Incompatible land development • Limited public understanding
The nature of these threats calls for a regional approach: Chicago Wilderness • A consortium to protect, restore, • and manage natural ecosystems • 203* organizations with common goals • Founded in 1995 by 34 groups • A model for urban conservation • Initial funding: USDA Forest Service
Chicago Wilderness • Membership includes • Landowners and land managers • Local, state and federal governments • Research and education institutions • Conservation NGOs • A growing number of municipalities • Corporate Council • Organized through a Memorandum of Understanding
The Vision Residents and decision-makers understand the significance of local biodiversity and support its conservation Natural communities of the Chicago region are protected and restored to long-term viability Residents exist in a sustainable relationship with nature and enjoy an enhanced quality of life Chicago region contributes to the preservation of global biodiversity
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Volunteers
The Chicago Wilderness Science Research Agendas • Natural Science • Social Science
Support for Chicago Wilderness • USDA Forest Service • USDI Fish and Wildlife Service • Illinois DNR • CW Corporate Council • Local Foundations • Member organizations • Individuals
Chicago Wilderness Funding History Div
Roles of the consortium • Develop common goals and principles to help guide the work of member organizations • Catalyze new work and initiatives • Increase partnering • Share lessons learned • Develop and disseminate tools • Increase public involvement in local conservation
1- Develop Common goals Biodiversity Recovery Plan 1999 • “Road map” for conservation • Threats analysis • Recovery goals for species, communities, landscapes • Priority conservation actions • Communication strategies
2- Catalyze New Work 1999 - 2007 Implementation • Wetlands & Streams component • Lake Michigan component • Burn task force • Invasive species task force • CW boundaries expanded • Grassroots team • Research agendas • Sustainability tools • Education and outreach • Public involvement expansion
2- Catalyze New Work: Burn Task Force CW Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Training • Two-day training • Since 2002, over 400 individuals trained • Messages created for the public
Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation 3- Increase partnering Youth stewardship: 8000 children annually and 23 partner agencies
4- Share lessons Internal communication
5- Develop and disseminate tools • Sustainability Guide for Municipalities • Conservation Design: • Model Ordinance • Cost/benefit analysis • Natural Landscaping Guide
5- Develop and disseminate toolsSustainable Watershed Action Team: SWAT • Experts in conservation design, storm water management, and native landscaping. • CW Team available to provide technical expertise to developers in planning conservation-friendly developments.
5- Develop and disseminate tools • Green Infrastructure Vision • Regional scale • opportunities for protection
6- Increase Public Involvement Biodiversity Atlas Magazine
Overview of this talk • Why Chicago Wilderness Formed • Who makes up the Consortium? • Forest Service Involvement • Six Roles of the Consortium • Measuring Results • Exporting the Model • Questions and Answers
measuring Results Measuring Results Report Card 2006 The question: How are we doing in preserving and restoring the biodiversity of the region?
Exporting the Chicago Wilderness Model Houston Oahu Pittsburgh Washington DC Portland San Francisco Milwaukee Detroit Toledo… International contacts
Lessons Learned • Core Leadership • Flexibility • Clear Mission • Relationships • Initial investment • Diversifying Funding • Political Support